But in episode five, very little advancement is made in terms of plot. While a ‘time out’ episode to mold characters ahead of a finale might work for a show with many more episodes, at just six chapters The Falcon and the Winter Soldier really needs to be precise with its pacing. Unfortunately, these high points stand tall among an episode that struggles to work with its many other plot threads. That their heart-to-heart concludes with smiles is a lovely visual signifier that our sad boy protagonists have evolved. As with Sam, this overcoming of his season-long struggle is notably satisfying. Bucky certainly still needs to work on himself, but in terms of personal growth he’s hit a new, important milestone in his recovery. His conversation with Sam, in which he airs his fears of still having elements of The Winter Soldier within him, and his realisation that he sees the shield as his last remaining piece of ‘family’, helps iron out his own faults. Bucky’s own arc hasn’t been quite as strong, but this episode sees him delivered to a similar point of understanding his place in the world. The show has effectively communicated his struggle, and hopefully the finale will deliver some real catharsis on him taking on the role of Captain America on his own terms. His opening of the Wakandan box at the very end of the episode - which almost certainly contains a new Captain America suit - as well as his refusal to get new wings after his were torn off, signals the conclusion of a satisfying arc for the character. With Sam effectively on the ‘bench’ this episode, he’s given plenty of time to consider his position and what he wants to stand for.
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